Advocacy
FBO's Advocacy
The food and beverage processing industry in Ontario plays a vital role in Canada’s food supply chain, linking primary agriculture producers to Canadian consumers by providing a remarkable choice of high quality, nutritious and safe food and beverage products.
As the voice of Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry, Food and Beverage Ontario ensures the province’s decision-makers stay informed of the issues, innovation, and programs that matter most to Ontario’s more than 4,000 processing establishments.
Food and Beverage Ontario continues to advocate for the issues that matter most to Ontario food and beverage manufacturers — from trade and tariffs to labour, investment, regulatory costs, and sector competitiveness. Over the past year, FBO worked on a broad range of priority files to ensure the industry’s voice was heard at Queen’s Park, in Ottawa, and in Washington, D.C. Highlights of that work include:
Trade and Tariff Advocacy
FBO was actively engaged on CUSMA and U.S. tariff issues, including participation in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce trade delegation to Washington, D.C. and regular work through Food and Beverage Canada’s Canada–U.S. Relations Working Group to ensure Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturers were represented in discussions affecting cross-border trade and competitiveness.
Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
FBO advocated for the enhancement of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, helping strengthen investment incentives for food and beverage processors and improve Ontario’s competitiveness for business expansion and modernization.
Blue Box and Extended Producer Responsibility
FBO continued to push for a more effective, aligned, and cost-efficient Blue Box system that recognizes the realities of food and beverage manufacturing and reduces unnecessary cost pressures on processors.
Labour and Workforce Advocacy
FBO engaged with government on labour shortages, workforce policy, and immigration-related issues, including the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, while continuing to highlight the need for practical workforce solutions for food and beverage manufacturers.
Interprovincial Trade and Bill C-5
FBO successfully advocated for the exemption of food products under Bill C-5 and continued to support measures that promote trade while maintaining high standards and protecting the integrity of Ontario’s food system.
Investment Attraction and Sector Growth
FBO continued to champion the importance of food and beverage manufacturing as a strategic economic sector, supporting government efforts to attract investment and reinforce Ontario’s position as a leading destination for food processing.
Federal and Provincial Funding Advocacy
FBO continued to advocate for sector support through key programs and policy tools, including federal strategic response funding and provincial investment initiatives that help food and beverage businesses remain competitive and resilient.
Protecting the Sector’s Voice in Policy Development
From land-use planning and infrastructure issues to packaging, labour, and trade policy, FBO ensured food and beverage manufacturers had a seat at the table in consultations, meetings, and policy discussions affecting the future of the sector.
